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Longtime sandwich favorite Woodside Deli officially reopened in Redwood City Thursday after shuttering for nine months for a remodel.
The 1453 Woodside Road deli is serving the same menu and largely looks the same, with the major upgrades being behind the scenes (new wiring, kitchen flooring, kitchen hood and plumbing). But there’s new seating, a streamlined ordering process and an updated feel.
“It’s brand new and same old,” said Kyle Vogel, who took over the deli when owner Dan Galinetti retired last year. “It just looks a little different.”
The updated Woodside Deli, which reopened on Oct. 25, 2018. Photo by Elena Kadvany.
The remodel was prompted by a requirement to bring the deli, which opened in 1958, up to code, but Vogel seized the opportunity to also improve the ordering experience. Before the closure, on busy days at Woodside Deli, customers could wait up to 45 minutes for sandwiches, said Vogel, who worked there before buying the deli. He also took note of customer service criticisms posted on Yelp.
The deli now offers online ordering and is available on mobile delivery apps. A new ticketing system frees up staff to focus on making sandwiches while someone at the counter takes orders and talks with customers.
Woodside Deli will continue to make sausage, deli meats and prepared foods in house. There will be a slightly smaller selection of imported Italian products to make room for the seating, but Vogel said customers can ask for any items they miss and he’ll place an order.
All of his staff returned this week, including some who have worked at Woodside Deli for decades.
Loyal customers flocked to the deli on reopening day for much-missed sandwiches, chips and drinks. The deli sold out of bread by 5 p.m., Vogel said. For months, Vogel has been posting updates about construction progress on Facebook. A post announcing the reopening this week attracted close to 70 comments.
Vogel was in touch on Facebook with one customer so loyal she’s driving in from Auburn, armed with pies from a favorite market of Vogel’s in exchange for Woodside Deli’s Godfather sandwiches (stuffed with mortadella, salami, prosciutto, coppa, provolone and other toppings on a sourdough roll).
Woodside Deli is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.